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AFT Statement on Pa. Gov. Corbett’s Decision to Release the $45 Million Owed to Philadelphia Public Schools

Press Release

AFT Statement on Pa. Gov. Corbett’s Decision to Release the $45 Million Owed to Philadelphia Public Schools

For Release:

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Contact:

Kate Childs Graham

202/393-6354; cell 202/615-2424

kchilds@aft.org

WASHINGTON—Statement from AFT President Randi Weingarten on Gov. Tom Corbett's decision to release the $45 million owed to Philadelphia public schools:

"The $45 million of federal funding that Gov. Corbett finally released today—albeit much too late—is an important step for Philadelphia's public school children. The money can provide immediate relief to a resource-starved school district. It can bring back nurses, counselors, safety officers, secretaries and, of course, some teachers that Philadelphia schools need to be safe and healthy and provide educational opportunities for all children.

"Let me be clear: There should never have been a delay in the release of these funds. But thanks to the united voices of thousands of parents, students, teachers and community activists from Philadelphia and across the country, Gov. Corbett has finally done the right thing.

"But still, this is just one step. We cannot and will not rest until public schools in Philadelphia are fully and fairly funded. And we will continue to unite with parents, students and community activists to reclaim the promise of public education in Philadelphia."

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The AFT represents 1.6 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.

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The American Federation of Teachers is a union of professionals that champions fairness; democracy; economic opportunity; and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our students, their families and our communities. We are committed to advancing these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining and political activism, and especially through the work our members do.